Experiences of the individual placement and support approach in persons with severe mental illness.

Abstract

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; Experiences of the individual placement and support approach in persons with severe mental illness Background: Across several research studies comparing the individual placement and support (IPS) approach to traditional vocational services, the approach has achieved employment outcomes superior to comparison conditions. However, to understand the efficacy of IPS, it is equally important to consider what is more or less effective as viewed by the IPS participants. Aim: To investigate participants' experiences of IPS participation and their experiences of receiving support from an employment specialist (ES). Method: Interviews were conducted with 17 persons with severe mental illness. The interviews were subjected to qualitative content analysis. The principles of informed consent and the voluntary nature of participation were included as ethical considerations. Results: Participation in IPS was associated with hope, meaning and an individualized support provided by the ES. The skills of the ES facilitated the relationship with the participant and the contact with the labour market. However, to make a change happen, everybody involved in IPS had to contribute. Conclusion: These findings have endorsed the guiding principles of IPS and emphasized the ES's role and skills during IPS as well as the participant's motivation.

Subject classification (UKÄ) – MANDATORY

Bibliographic note

The information about affiliations in this record was updated in December 2015.
The record was previously connected to the following departments: Division of Occupational Therapy (Closed 2012) (013025000)